Stellantis announces electric mini-car under project name "E-Car"

Apparently, Stellantis intends to further lower the entry barrier for electric cars. Today, the multi-brand group announced that from 2028 it will produce a “small, affordable” electric car at its Italian plant in Pomigliano d‘Arco. Among other things, the now legendary Fiat Panda, which has had an unparalleled career since 1980, was manufactured here. The E-Car is likely to be a successor (price-wise) below the current electric Fiat Grande Panda. So probably a car without “Grande”.

Affordability in focus

According to Stellantis' press release, the “E” in the working title “E-Car” stands for “electric,” but also for “European, emotion, electric, and environmental friendliness.” According to its announcement, the group has the support of the European Commission to promote European jobs in design and production in Europe.

Stellantis describes the E-Car as a “small, innovative, affordable, and fully electric vehicle, developed entirely in the European tradition, to offer individual mobility to everyone.” The group deliberately refers to the problem that there are practically no affordable small cars left. Group CEO Antonio Filosa says: “Our customers are calling for a revival of small, stylish vehicles, proudly produced in Europe, which are also affordable and environmentally friendly.”

New market segment

Stellantis likely wants to occupy a new market segment before others do; the group is apparently also reacting to the issue with its e-car range, which currently combines contemporary prices with technology that is no longer quite up-to-date. To achieve the necessary margins for European production, Stellantis could fall back on the technical basis of its Chinese partner Leapmotor. The start-up already has a small e-car in its program with the Leapmotor T03. However, Stellantis has not yet commented on this. Filosa may reveal more details about the “E-Car” project when announcing the future corporate direction on May 21.

(fpi)